I didn't listen to a ton of new music this year, I've been very busy and very tired. But I will make a nice long post about the albums I listened to the most this year, regardless of their release date.
The Pillows - Little Busters
Starting with Little Busters. What a great alternative rock album. Not saying anything new here, but this album is hit after hit, with great production that still retains a bit of bite. The choruses are wildly catchy, but not too predictable or saccharine.
Black Midi - Cavalcade
Black Midi had a new album out this year, Hellfire, which I did enjoy! But I didn't listen to it as much as Cavalcade, which is a brutal, gorgeous wonder. Maybe the kind of shit King Crimson would be doing if they formed today. The songs vary from mathy, noisy rock to jazzy lounge music. Incredibly talented group of folks, and at their age it's wild to think about what they might get up to as they get older.
Love - Forever Changes
Criminally underrated experimental rock from the '60s. It's got bits of psychedelia, elements of baroque pop, and straight up barn-burners like A House Is Not a Motel. They were also one of the few bands in that scene at the time with a Black lead singer and songwriter. It's a wonder these guys aren't talked about more today. Just a phenomenal piece of history.
The Beths - Expert In A Dying Field
I fell in love with the Beths quickly when I found their last album, "Future Me Hates Me," and this album only solidifies that love. Fun, catchy songs with clever lyrics and surprisingly complex songs given the genre. Give it a listen and have a good time.
Orquesta Akokán - 16 Rayos
Incredible big band/latin jazz group, recorded in a historic Cuban studio. This thing sounds like it came out decades ago, but has the more avant-garde instincts of today's jazz and mambo. Incredible performances all around, and some of the best production I've heard in years.
The Beach Boys - Smiley Smile
You don't need me to tell you about the Beach Boys. But this album is especially weird and lofi given its history. It's strange, experimental, and great.
Black Country, New Road - Ants From Up Here
I don't know exactly how to describe these songs. Folk rock? Early 2000s indie revival? I don't care. The songs are fantastic, full of emotional and ocassionally funny lyrics. It's a shame the lead singer had to leave (but glad he's hopefully feeling better now) given that this album feels like the band is just warming up.
They Might Be Giants - Lincoln
I'm not like a huge TMBG fan, but I do love a number of cuts off this record and Flood especially. Kiss Me Son of God might be one of my favorite songs ever. I kind of hate some of the production on this album and Flood, but still some bangers to be found.
Sobs - Air Guitar
Poppy, fun, glittery and interesting. Hard to come by better guitar-based pop this year. One listen and you'll be hooked, just like I was. Thanks, Bandcamp.
David Bowie - Hunky Dory
Was never all that into Bowie, either. More appreciated than loved, for me. I really do love this album, though, and don't see it get mentioned enough. Some really interesting music here that straddles the line between glam rock and folk. Hunky Dory and Blackstar are really special.
Boris - No
There's never been a band like Boris and there never will be. Absolutely unstoppable in whatever they do, whether that's the thrashy, punky metal of No or the glacial post-rock revelations Flood and Feedbacker. Just absolute legends, and this album proves they can kick just as hard as ever.
Bob Dylan - Highway 61 Revisited
Once again, you don't need me to tell you about Bob Dylan, and I'm not like a big fan or anything, but this album is just really, really good.
Honorable mentions:
Soul Glo - Diaspora Problems
Lingua Ignota - Sinner Get Ready
Dvory - Dvory
Big Thief - Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You
Alvvays - Blue Rev
Ryusenkai & Hitomitoi - Talio
The Raincoats - Odyshape
The Zombies - Odyssey and Oracle
I'm sure there are many I missed, but these are the ones on my mind at the moment. I really hope you check some of these out if you've gotten this far!